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Population genetics and fitness in fragmented populations of the dioecious and endangered Silene otites (Caryophyllaceae)

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Abstract

Population fragmentation is often correlated with loss of genetic diversity and reduced fitness. Obligate out-crossing (dioecy) is expected to enhance genetic diversity, reduce genetic differentiation, and avoid inbreeding depression through frequent gene flow. However, in highly fragmented populations dioecy has only diminishing effects upon genetic structure as pollination limitations (e.g. flight distance of pollinators) most often restrict inter-population gene flow in insect pollinated species. In fragmented dry grasslands in northeastern Germany, we analysed genetic structure, fitness, and habitat quality of the endangered dioecious Silene otites (Caryophyllaceae). Using AFLP markers, a high level of differentiation among ten populations was found (F st = 0.36), while the intra-population genetic diversities (H E = 0.165–0.240) were similar as compared to hermaphroditic species. There was neither a correlation between geographic and genetic distance nor between genetic diversity and population size, which indicates reduced gene flow among populations and random genetic drift. Plant size was positively correlated with genetic diversity. Seed set and number of juveniles were positively related to population size. Higher total coverage resulted in reduced plant fitness, and the number of juveniles was negatively correlated to cryptogam cover. Additionally, we found a sex ratio bias towards more male plants in larger populations. Overall, our results indicate that on a regional geographic scale dioecy does not necessarily prevent genetic erosion in the case of habitat fragmentation, especially in the absence of long distance seed and pollen dispersal capacity.

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Acknowledgments

This work was funded by the DBU and Heidehofstiftung. We would like to thank the local nature conservation authorities for the collection permission in conservation areas and Hans Pfestorf for help in the field.

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  1. Daniel Lauterbach

    Present address: Institute of Ecology, Technische Universität Berlin, Rothenburgstr. 12, 12165, Berlin, Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin-Dahlem, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 6-8, 14195, Berlin, Germany

    Daniel Lauterbach

  2. Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Maulbeerallee 2, 14469, Potsdam, Germany

    Michael Ristow

  3. AG Spezielle Botanik, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 38, 35392, Giessen, Germany

    Birgit Gemeinholzer

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Lauterbach, D., Ristow, M. & Gemeinholzer, B. Population genetics and fitness in fragmented populations of the dioecious and endangered Silene otites (Caryophyllaceae). Plant Syst Evol 298, 155–164 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-011-0533-0

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